FCC To TV Companies: You Can’t Broadcast Emergency Alert Tones If It’s Not An Emergency

The thing about the Emergency Alert System is that it’s only supposed to be used to alert people when there’s an actual emergency. So anyone viewing the trailer for 2013’s Olympus Has Fallen might’ve been alarmed to hear those telltale tones along with “This is not a test” — at least until Gerard Butler’s face hits the screen.

As a result of that non-emergency use, the Federal Communications Commission wants to fine three TV companies for using the EAS sounds, reports Re/code, because the White House wasn’t attacked and Gerard Butler didn’t save the day, at least not in real life.

The FCC is slapping proposed fines of almost $2 million on Viacom, NBCUniversal and Walt Disney’s ESPN for airing that trailer multiple times, as it potentially could’ve freaked people out.

Broadcasters and cable channels are required by law to test the EAS now and then to make sure it’s working in case there really is a guerilla attack on the White House or some other emergency situation.

Back when the trailer aired in early March last year, the FCC received complaints in the days after and broadcast groups realized they should pull the trailer.

“Frivolous, casual, or other uses of EAS Tones for reasons other than their defined purpose can desensitize viewers to the tones and thereby undermine the effectiveness of the system in the event of an actual emergency,” the FCC said in its complaint. “Although admitting their inclusion of actual EAS Tones in commercials transmitted in their programming, the companies have questioned their liability under the Act and the Commission’s rules.”

Both ESPN and Viacom say their advertising guidelines have changed since then to bar any future ads from using either real EAS tones or anything that could sound similar.

Charlie, you’re so mean! Next you’re going to say that it’s illegal for CzarChasm to use that siren they have to get people to pull over so they can get where they’re going faster! Who cares if it scares people and might make them ignore public safety warnings!

Gee guys, I’m sorry I’m not up on my FCC codes I probably don’t have quite as much time to study them as you two. Since the article does not mention these rules,that everyone is clearly so familiar with I’m sure you can provide the source, so I won’t make another ignorant blunder. Personally, I think your a liar, but feel free to prove me wrong.

No person may transmit or cause to transmit the EAS codes or Attention Signal, or a recording or simulation thereof, in any circumstance other than in an actual National, State or Local Area emergency or authorized test of the EAS. Broadcast station licensees should also refer to §73.1217 of this chapter.